How To Replace Garage Door Springs Using Professional Garage Door Repair
If you've ever struggled to open your garage door or been startled by a sudden, loud bang echoing through your garage, chances are your garage door spring needs attention.
In these situations, understanding how to replace garage door springs can be helpful. However, DIY replacement or repair of garage door springs is a dangerous task requiring precise knowledge and skill. Safety should always be the number one priority. We highly encourage you to call a professional garage door spring repair service.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what to expect from the process of replacing garage door springs, offer insights into both torsion and extension systems, and how to tell when it's time to seek professional help.
Table of Contents:
- Step One - Call a Professional Garage Door Company
- Step Two - A Professional Identifies and Measures the Type of Spring You Need
- Step Three - They Prepare the Garage Door
- Step Four - They Release Tension From Old Springs
- Step Five - They Remove the Old Spring and Safety Cable
- Step Six - They Add a Safety Cable to the New Spring
- Step Seven - They Reattach the Safety Cable and Pulley
- Step Eight - They Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
- Step Nine - They Lubricate and Test the Door
- Signs Garage Door Springs Need Replacing
- Safety Precautions
- 5 DIY Garage Door Spring Mistakes To Avoid
- FAQ
- Convenient Spring Replacement With Precision Garage Door Service
Step One - Call a Professional Garage Door Company
Hiring a professional for garage door spring replacement is highly recommended. If you lack experience or are unsure about the process, a professional technician can safely and efficiently handle the job. They can also accurately assess the type and size of the spring needed and address any issues with your garage door system.
Entrusting the task to a professional minimizes the risk of accidents, ensures proper installation, and provides peace of mind, knowing your garage door is in capable hands.
Contact Precision Garage Door Service™ for your garage door spring repair needs, and you can expect the following:
- Same-day service with 99% of doors fixed on the first visit
- 24-hour emergency service, including weekend appointments
- Professionals who have expert training and experience
- Satisfaction guaranteed with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™
Step Two - A Professional Identifies and Measures the Type of Spring You Need
Before beginning the replacement process, a professional will accurately identify and measure the type of spring needed for your garage door. A misfit spring can lead to dangerous situations: an oversized spring might cause the door to open too quickly, while an undersized one could result in rapid closing. Finding the right balance is critical for safety.
- First, they’ll identify the type of garage door spring that needs to be replaced.
- Torsion springs are typically located above the door opening.
- Extension springs are positioned on either side of the door tracks.
- Then, they’ll measure the length, diameter, and wire size of the existing spring to ensure it’s compatible with the replacement.
Most garage door springs typically last around 10,000 cycles, equating to a seven-year lifespan with four daily uses. To extend their longevity, maintain proper balance, and schedule regular professional inspections and lubrication.
However, starting with high-quality springs is crucial. Precision Garage Door Service offers durable high-cycle extension springs and e-coated torsion springs, lasting five times longer than standard options.
Step Three - They Prepare the Garage Door
To prepare the garage door for spring replacement, the professional will open the door, disconnect the opener, and secure the door so it’s in the proper position for repair. This step is vital so the door doesn’t move and cause damage or injury during the repair.
Step Four - They Release Tension From Old Springs
When replacing a garage door spring safely, they’ll release tension from the old spring so it can be properly removed.
Safety Note: Due to the potential dangers of sudden tension releases, professional help is highly recommended.
Step Five - They Remove the Old Spring and Safety Cable
Next the professional will locate the old extension or torsion spring and safety cable for proper removal.This takes careful skill to not damage the door or pulley system while removing the spring and safety cable.
Step Six - They Add a Safety Cable to the New Spring
With the replacement garage door spring ready to install, the professional will securely attach the new spring and safety cable to the track bracket. This adds safety and stability to the garage door system.
Step Seven - They Reattach the Safety Cable and Pulley
To reattach the safety cable and pulley in a garage door system, a service professional will reattach the pulley and safety cable to the track. These mechanisms are how the garage door opens and closes.
Step Eight - They Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
After installing the new spring and ensuring proper tension, the professional will reconnect the opener. They’ll also confirm the functionality of safety features like sensors and emergency release systems.
Step Nine - They Lubricate and Test the Door
After reconnection, the professional will lubricate the garage door to ensure smooth operation and longevity. This helps reduce friction, noise, and wear on the components.
Once lubrication is complete, they’ll test the door's operation. If there are any issues during testing, like sticking or jerking movements, further adjustments may be necessary.
Signs Garage Door Springs Need Replacing
Recognizing signs that your garage door springs need replacing is crucial for maintaining your garage door system. Warning signs that indicate your garage door springs may need replacing include:
- Difficulty opening or closing the garage door smoothly
- Unbalanced or jerking movements during operation
- Gaps or irregular spacing between coils in the springs
- Visible gaps or separations in the springs themselves
- Issues with safety cables or missing safety cables
- Loud squeaking or banging noises when the door operates
Regularly inspecting your garage door for these signs can help you identify potential issues with the springs early on and avoid unexpected failures.
Safety Precautions
Replacing a garage door spring can be hazardous due to the high tension it holds, potentially leading to serious injury if mishandled. Improper release of the spring's tension can result in sudden recoil, posing a risk of striking someone nearby or causing damage to surrounding objects.
The garage door may also fall unexpectedly if the springs fail or if proper precautions aren't taken during replacement. The biggest safety precaution you can take is to hire a professional to completely avoid any chance of injury.
Here are a few safety precautions professionals take when replacing a garage door spring:
- Wear safety gear like glasses and gloves to shield against debris and contact with springs.
- Disconnect the opener to avoid accidental activation.
- Use appropriate tools and follow instructions carefully.
- Release spring tension slowly and carefully with the proper tools.
5 DIY Garage Door Spring Mistakes To Avoid
You may want to think twice before replacing your garage door spring yourself. Here are five costly garage door mistakes you do not want to make.
1. Using a Screwdriver
Some people try to wind a garage door torsion spring themselves. Unfortunately, they rarely own the required tool: a winding bar. Often enough, they end up using a screwdriver. This is a serious mistake. If you use a screwdriver, the torsion spring can spin out of control and take your fingers off.
2. Winding the Torsion Spring Too Tightly or Loosely
To know how many times to wind a garage door spring, you need to use an exact formula. Trained garage door technicians learn to master this calculation. Most people do not. Instead, they end up either overwinding or underwinding the torsion spring—big mistake! Doing so will eventually ruin your garage door opener. In addition, if you screw too tightly, you can even crush a hollow torsion tube.
3. Purchasing the Wrong Garage Door Spring
You need to determine the right garage door spring mathematically. Unfortunately, many people only have a hazy idea of which garage door spring they need. They install it correctly, but then their garage door goes up and down incorrectly, running the risk of destroying their garage door opener.
4. Working on an Open Garage Door Without Vice Grips
You may wish to work on your garage door extension spring with your garage door up. If you do so, you need to clamp vice grips on the door. Otherwise, it will fall, breaking all of your windows. Worse, people have gotten broken bones, lost limbs, or even died as a result.
5. Taking Off the Bottom Bracket
Many DIYers close their garage door before working on it. They do this so that it won't fall down on them. However, most of them do not understand how garage door springs work. When your garage door is open, the springs are relaxed. When you close it, they twist or extend to hold your door shut. They remain under tension as long as your garage door remains closed. This is precisely when they are the most deadly.
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FAQ
If you have further questions about how to replace garage door springs, check out these commonly asked questions along with their answers.
Can I Replace a Garage Door Spring Myself?
While it is possible to replace a garage door spring yourself, it can be dangerous due to the high tension involved, so we recommend hiring a professional. Without proper knowledge and experience, there is a risk of injury or further damage to the garage door system.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Coil Spring on a Garage Door?
The cost to replace a coil spring on a garage door can vary depending on the type of spring, door size, and location. On average, you can expect to pay between $75 to $150 for the replacement, not including service fees.
How Long Does It Take To Replace a Garage Door Spring?
The time it takes to replace a garage door spring depends on factors such as the type of spring, accessibility, and the skill level of the person performing the replacement. On average, a professional technician can complete the replacement in about one to two hours. However, DIY replacements may take longer due to safety precautions and lack of experience.
Convenient Spring Replacement With Precision Garage Door Service
While understanding how to replace a garage door spring can’t hurt, it's important to weigh the risks before attempting any repairs yourself. If you have prior experience with garage door spring replacement, you might feel confident in tackling the task. However, if something does go wrong, you may end up multiplying the needed repairs and even putting your life at risk.
Better safe than sorry. Contact a garage door repair company and have peace of mind. At Precision Garage Door Service, we offer 24/7 same-day spring repair. We always carry all sizes of extension and torsion springs on our trucks so we can get the repair done in the same trip. Play it safe. Contact your local Precision Garage Door Service to find out more.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a custom, on-site assessment.
